Jets Rumors: Nathanial Hackett's Job Was in 'Jeopardy' Before Robert Saleh's Firing

New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was reportedly on shaky ground before the team fired head coach Robert Saleh, according to SNY's Connor Hughes.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports also reported Saleh was considering firing Hackett and could have made the move "as early as Tuesday" before he lost his own job.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Saleh had already informed the coaching staff on Tuesday that Hackett would lose his play-calling duties, with passing game coordinator Todd Downing taking over.

The Jets confirmed the head coach's ouster on Tuesday:

Hughes subsequently reported that "there was some feeling" within the organization that Hackett's status was in jeopardy, adding that "higher ups have been on him last couple weeks."

The Athletic's Dianna Russini added that the Jets "do not plan on firing" Hackett following Saleh's dismissal.

Plenty of Jets fans will argue Hackett should be out of a job and that his presence is a sign of the organization's continued appeasement toward star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Hackett and the coaching staff were undoubtedly dealt a tough hand once Rodgers tore his Achilles four snaps into the 2023 season. The Jets finishing 31st in yards and 29th in points was partially attributed to their revolving door at quarterback and the absence of one suitable starter.

However, The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini detailed in January how Hackett had done little to help the situation.

"Hackett struggled to adjust the offense to the team's new reality," they wrote in reference to the aftermath of Rodgers' injury. "Multiple coaches and players described Hackett as lacking in attention to detail. For most of the season, Hackett would meet with offensive line coach/running game coordinator Keith Carter and passing game coordinator Todd Downing during the week but wouldn't get together with the rest of the offensive staff until the 'last minute' of game prep."

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported in June that New York retained Hackett on the basis that improved continuity with his scheme and playbook along with Rodgers' return would spark a turnaround.

Little has improved with the 40-year-old back under center. The Jets are averaging just 286.6 yards and 18.6 points per game. The last two weeks have been particularly frustrating because the offense failed to capitalize on strong showings from the defense.

It's fair to wonder what firing Hackett would actually solve since the team's biggest problem is that Rodgers no longer looks like the elite passer who won back-to-back MVPs in 2021 and 2022.

At the same time, it's just as hard to argue Hackett is making the offense better.